2024 – 2025 Strategic Focus

The strategic focus for the National Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee for 2024/25 is Empowerment and Advocacy. We aim to enhance leadership training, amplify women’s voices, and foster partnerships that support women in the AEC industry. By hosting educational webinars, increasing participation in DEI awards, and developing comprehensive resources, we strive to elevate NAWIC as a leader in creating a more inclusive and equitable construction industry. We invite all members to join us in this mission, actively contributing to a culture of belonging and empowerment for women.

Mercedes Gamor

Committee Chair

Mercedes Gamor, CDP
Prime Electric
dei@nawic.org

Committee Co-Chair

Andrea Giron
Neenah Enterprises, Inc.

Our Goals

Education Pillar

• Partner each quarter with one National Committee, hosting collaborative webinars or events.

• Continued research audit and future implementation of DEI education in the form of webinars or training for National Board, Regional Directors, Chapter Presidents, and chapter DEI Ambassadors.

• Develop DE&I Resource Library (external facing) for NAWIC members

Communication Pillar

• Develop social media calendar with input from National, for recognition and awareness of DEI/heritage months/days/events (for internal and external use)

• Develop Chapter Resource Guide on “How To” set up a DEI Committee

• Create and launch DEI Resource Library for NAWIC members

Community Engagement Pillar

• Establish NAWIC LGBTQIA+ Community group to provide support, education, resources, and safe spaces

• Increase awareness and participation in the National DEI Awards, working towards making these an industry standard

• Leverage NAWIC and Committee Members participation and connection with external organizations to develop partnerships for increased support of women in the AEC industry

Lisa Thibodeaux

Education
Pillar Lead

Lisa Thibodeaux
Construction Experts Inc

Natalye Jackson

Communication
Pillar Lead

Natalye Jackson
M. B. Kahn

Meykia Mittag

Community Engagement
Pillar Lead

Meykia Mittag
Prime Electric

Our DEI committee drives initiatives that promote belonging, uplifts underrepresented voices and helps shape a more equitable future. Get involved and help us lead meaningful change!
#TogetherWeRise

Current Projects or Initiatives:

  • DEI Pilot Program launch
  • LGBTQIA+ Support/Resource group
  • Refresh of our DEI awards program
  • Monthly webinars

Committee Achievements:

  • Partnership with Dickies for Women’s History month campaign,
  • Hosted Secretary Herman
  • Launching our DEI Pilot Program
DE&I Accomplishments
Meeting Schedule:

Full committee – bi monthly on Mondays at 3:30pm PST

Pillar Subcommittees – monthly (not fully set up yet)

Accepting New Members:

YES! Always

Skills or Expertise Needed:

No skills or expertise needed – we welcome all to join!

Eligibility Criteria:

We welcome all to join! No hate, be an advocate and an ally to all.

How to Get Involved:

Reach out to us at dei@nawic.org or attend one of our monthly meetings

Committee Member Responsibilities:

Attend our meetings, engage in a Pillar (if you can), attend our webinars/events and share share share on social media. Participate in BRAVE talks (safe space), be a spokesperson and advocate for our committee. Encourage participation in DEI events (participate in or start a DEI committee at the chapter level).